Introduction and Philosophy
In modern medicine important concepts and methodologies change as the body of knowledge expands. Faculty members continue to need special opportunities for focused study of these changes other than the limited opportunities during the course of ongoing duties and responsibilities. Faculty members also need to stay current in new instructional technologies and research methodologies. Moreover, changes in societies and shifts of boundaries between disciplines may create the need for faculty members to be introduced to another discipline or explore in-depth the areas of intersection between the disciplines. Additionally, changes in the cultural diversity and age distribution of the student population require modifications of teaching responsibilities, strategies, and techniques as well as an increased emphasis on enhanced learning experiences. New and different service to these extended populations of traditional and non-traditional students will be necessary to assist them to reach their full intellectual potential.
Faculty development programs are the answer to these needs as they allow faculty members to amplify or focus their specializations and/or to acquire new ones. Moreover, as faculty members enter various career stages and seek to widen the range and scope of their work, they frequently need to acquire new skills and approaches that push the limits of their own disciplines. The collective process of faculty development helps to establish an exemplary model for coping with the challenge of maintaining intellectual competitiveness and the most modern expertise among faculty in the face of shrinking resources and shifting enrollment patterns.
Faculty Development Opportunities
In view of the above and the expectation of faculty to stay current in their fields, AUA has implemented faculty development options, which are listed below:
• Attendance of local conferences and workshops
• Attendance of regional conferences and workshops
• Attendance of international conferences and workshops
– AUA sponsors the attendance of one conference or workshop per annum in accordance with AUA policy for each full-time faculty member
• Membership in professional organizations
– AUA sponsors the annual dues for membership in one professional organization for each full-time faculty member
• Attendance of and participation at AUA Research Days and other scientific events. Attendance of some of the research days hosted by AUA may be awarded Continuing Education Credits
• Encouraging independent and collaborative biomedical research and publication of the results in peer-reviewed scientific or medical journals
• Mentoring of junior faculty by established senior faculty members
• Sponsoring participation in academic leadership and development programs
• Sabbatical opportunities as outlined in this handbook
• Active participation in local, regional, and/or international scientific organizations or committees that would be advantageous to AUA or a specific department
Faculty Performance Review
In keeping with its commitment to excellence in medical education, the American University of Antigua has adopted faculty evaluation criteria. The objectives of this plan review are to enhance the quality of education for students, to address concerns expressed by faculty , and to ensure uniformity of evaluation.
Faculty evaluation criteria may include but are not limited to:
A. Teaching
Factors that may be considered include but may not be limited to:
• Self-evaluation by the faculty member
• Faculty evaluations by students (see Attachment BD)
• Course -System evaluations by students (see Attachment BD)
• Peer evaluation based on integration and interaction as required
• Performance evaluation by the department chair as required
• Evaluation by the Executive Dean of Basic Sciences as required
B. Service
Factors considered as criteria for promotion include (but may not be limited to) participation in:
• University activities
• Committee work
• Counseling students
• Service in professional organizations
• General administration duties as assigned by the Dean or department chair
• Community service where the faculty member made an essential contribution based on special academic credentials or professional skills.
C. Scholarly Works
Factors considered for promotion include (but may not be limited to):
• Publication of books, monographs and chapters contributed to edited books
• Scientific articles (e.g. original works and reviews) in scientific or medical journals
• Refereed or invited presentations at professional meetings
• Participation at scientific panels
• Editorial and referee duties
• Invitation to scientific sessions and seminars at another institute
• Scholarship and research in general
• Participation in seminars and colloquia.